LESSONS LEARNED:


EISEMANN CENTER | RICHARDSON, TX TICKETS ON SALE NOW


CALL 972-744-4650 OR VISIT CHAMBERLAINBALLET.ORG NOV EMB E R 2 9 -DE C EMB E R 1 , 2 0 1 9


DANCE DEPARTMENTS COLLEGE by Katie Hopsicker—BFA Dance Performance, BA English, Southern Methodist University


This time of year, there is always one thing on a high school senior’s mind: college. For dancers, it can be extra chaotic, with the added pressure of auditions bearing weight on their stressful academic applications. Many dancers decide that college is not for them and decide to jump into the professional industry after graduation. However, an experience in a college dance setting is unlike no other. Dancing in college introduces lessons and opportunities that prepare the student for anything in the future.


Finding Balance College not only teaches dancers how to nail a pirouette or perfect releve, but also forces students to establish an equilibrium between dance, academics, extracurriculars and their social lives. At SMU, many dance majors juggle busy schedules and are involved in other majors, Greek life, clubs and/or jobs. Being involved on campus allows students to express themselves in ways other than dance, and teaches them important skills such as discipline, organization, and priority-making. Also, many dancers appreciate the chance to live normal college lives while pursuing their dreams.


Behind the Scenes Personally, I used to assume that I would always dance professionally… and that’s it. However, coming to college made me realize that there are so many other career paths I could take. Many college programs require dance majors to take courses in production, choreography, science and history. Dancers often do not realize all that goes on behind the scenes of a performance, but college brings to light all the careers that a dancer could have in lighting, sound, administration, teaching, writing and more. This enables dancers to continue working in the industry after their performance career.


Making Connections When applying and auditioning, networking is very important. Being in a university setting enables dancers to make connections and establish long-term relationships. Within a dance department, students get to know their class, their professors and their choreographers. Colleges and universities also bring in guest choreographers for residencies and masterclasses. Being exposed to so many people while establishing relationships can create opportunities once one graduates.


Richland College Richland College


DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Richland College


DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT


Home Away From Home Dancing in college not only gives dancers a degree, but also a family. For me, being part of a program immediately gave me a home away from home. People often assume that the dance world is extremely competitive and cutthroat. However, in my two years at SMU, I have felt nothing but support. The friends that one makes in the department, plus the mentors that teach them every day, help and support each and every dancer to be the best they can be.


DANCER-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES


The following businesses and organizations offer discounts to DCNT Members:


ADVERTISING WITH DCNT discounted or free to members


DANCEWEAR


Capezio, Sandy’s Shoes & Dancewear, Upstage Dancewear FACILITY RENTALS


Sammons Center for the Arts MASTERCLASSES


Park Cities Dance, Eisemann Educates PERFORMANCE TICKETS


Beckles Dancing Company, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Collin County Ballet Theatre, Dallas Black Dance Theatre,


Eisemann Center for selected “Eisemann Center Presents” Shows, Texas Ballet Theater


Check the website periodically for new additions!


Texas Woman’s University


Degree Programs: B.A., B.A. with


Secondary Certification M.A., M.F.A.


Low-residency Ph.D. program for Dance Professionals


School of the Arts Department of Dance


Scan the code to see the TWU Dept. of Dance promo video!


www.twu.edu/dance | www.facebook.com/TWUDance


Photo by Jesse Scroggins


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